Tune in today: Candidates, prosperity and television illusions

October 2, 2012Updated: October 2, 2012 4:56pm

The campaign that seems to have lasted forever enters its homestretch. Tonight marks the first of three presidential debates (8 p.m., KSAT, KENS, WOAI, KLRN, Univision, CNN, C-SPAN, CNBC, Fox News, MSNBC) between President Barack Obama and Republican challenger Mitt Romney. For the record, the first Republican primary debate of the 2012 election took place on May 5 — of 2011!

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Tonight's event, at the University of Denver, will be moderated by veteran PBS newsman Jim Lehrer and will focus on domestic affairs.

The debate offers Romney a chance to introduce — or, reintroduce — himself to voters who have yet to focus on the race or make up their minds. Over the years, debates have provided challengers the opportunity to appear “presidential” and more up to the job than the incumbent. Or at least more likable.